NHRC notice to Himachal Pradesh over declining sex ratio

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Wednesday issued notice to the Himachal Pradesh government over the declining sex ratio in the state.

Taking suo motu cognizance, the NHRC asked the state's chief secretary to submit a report within four weeks.

"There are about 25 panchayats in Una district where the sex ratio has taken alarming proportions during the last two years with less than 500 females born against 1,000 males," the commission said citing a media report.

"There are some panchayats where the sex ratio is even poorer," it said.

Statistics indicated that the state had a high rate of abortions despite a ban on sex determination tests, it added.